An unknown poet, of the period between 1590 and 1600, in an historical play entitled “Edward III.” has reproduced this incident, and worked it up for the stage—with some touches which are probably warranted by facts, and which, for that reason alone, render the passage worth transcribing.
Edward (solus). She is grown more fairer far, since I came hither.
Her voice more silver ev’ry word than other,
Her wit more fluent; what a strange discourse
Unfolded she of David and his Scots!
Even thus, quoth she, he spoke; and then spake broad
With epithets and accent of the Scot;
But somewhat better than the Scot could speak:
And then, quoth she, and answered then herself;
For who could speak like her? but she herself